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NMU soccer adds two Scandinavian goalkeepers for 2013

February 25, 2013 - Matt Wellens

MARQUETTE — Northern Michigan University head women’s soccer coach Matt Granstrand has finally announced his 2013 recruiting class. The official announcement was delayed due to three international signees from Scandinavia, but sadly, no Finns for the die-hard Yoopers.

Granstrand signed two goalkeepers from Europe, including Caroline Glantz from Oxie Malmo, Sweden and Siri Skogland of Haugesund, Norway.

Also coming from Sweden is forward Paula Hafner of Malmo.

Skogland was originally a part of Northern’s 2012 recruiting class, but she was unable to get eligible this season. Her absence combined with the early departure of All-GLIAC junior keeper Jessica Baker left NMU with two inexperienced players in goal — freshman Shelby Conard and sophomore Nicole Musi, who played midfield as a freshman.

The result was a significant drop off in net.

Conard appeared in 15 games in 2012, giving up an average of 2.69 goals per game with a .676 save percentage. Musi appeared in six games, giving up 3.04 goals per game and with a .579 save percentage.

In 2011, Baker was in goal for all 19 games with a goals against average of 1.39 and save percentage of .741.

In addition to the three Scandinavians, Granstrand signed midfielder Wynona Maravilla of Sturgeon Bay, Wis., forward/outside midfielder Carmen Villarruel of De Pere, Wis., and defender Natalie Yeck of Muskegon, Mich.

The Wildcats lose only four from a 2012 squad that finished 4-13-0 overall and 3-10-0 in the GLIAC.